Flagpole safety in Norway: wind, liability and working at height

A flagpole is a tall, slender structure standing outside in all weathers. Norway has a lot of wind, especially along the coast and in the mountains, and winter brings snow, ice and ground frost. Most flagpoles stand safely for decades, but when something goes wrong, wind, the foundation or wear is usually the cause.

Wind

Wind creates the greatest load. How much the pole can withstand depends on height, material, diameter, foundation and flag size. In section 10-2 of the building technical regulation, the Norwegian Building Authority refers to the Eurocodes, including NS-EN 1991 on actions on structures, with Norwegian national annexes. Flagpoles do not need a permit, but makers use the same loads when dimensioning the poles and foundations.

Flaggfabrikken points out that a large flag can break a flagpole in strong wind, and Flaggshop mentions that the flag or pennant can be taken down in high wind. Many take down flag and pennant when a storm is forecast.

Snow, ice and ground frost

Ice on the pole and halyard increases the weight and the wind area. The halyard can freeze in the pulley, and snow sliding off the pole can be a problem at entrances. Ground frost can lift a foundation that is not deep enough, leaving the pole leaning. The maker’s instructions give the foundation’s dimensions.

Foundation and position

A foundation that is too small, or a ground sleeve that has come loose, is a common reason for a pole leaning or toppling. The position also matters for safety:

• distance to power lines, so that the pole cannot hit them if it topples
• distance to buildings and the boundary
• trees that could fall onto the pole or in which the flag could tangle
• walkways where snow and ice can fall

More on the foundation in the guide to flagpole installation.

Neighbours and liability

Section 2 of the Neighbour Act prohibits having anything that unreasonably or unnecessarily causes damage or nuisance to the neighbouring property, and also counts as a nuisance something that is to be regarded as dangerous. A pole leaning towards the neighbour’s house can therefore be relevant under the Act. Whether the owner is liable for damages if the pole damages something depends on the compensation rules and the circumstances of the case. Many check whether damage is covered by their home insurance.

Working at height

For employees, chapter 17 of the regulation on the performance of work, on working at height, applies. Section 17-1 concerns the employer’s risk assessment, and the chapter has rules on ladders, scaffolding and fall protection. That applies, for example, to a business whose employees change the halyard or pulley. For private individuals working on their own pole, the regulation does not apply. A tilting pole makes it possible to change the halyard, pulley and finial from the ground, and climbing the pole or leaning a ladder against it is risky. More on tilting poles in the guide to flagpole mechanics.

Inspection

Regular inspection is the simplest way to spot problems. What is checked, and how often, is covered in the guide to flagpole maintenance. For businesses with flag installations where many people pass, there is more to consider; that is covered in the guide to flagpoles for businesses.